Gambling Progression in Young Adults Following Online Casino-Gambling Legalization in Switzerland

TL;DR

This study examines how gambling behaviors changed in young Swiss males four years after online casino gambling was legalized.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into gambling progression and problem gambling rates following online gambling legalization in Switzerland.

Findings

70.6% of young Swiss males reported lifetime gambling, with 49.8% gambling in the past 12 months.

Problem gambling was linked to online gambling, mixed platform use, and a wider variety of games played.

A slight, non-significant increase in problem gambling was observed following legalization.

Abstract

This study investigates gambling behaviors among young Swiss males four years after the legalization of online casino gambling in Switzerland. A total of 2,349 conscripts aged 18 to 24 years, residing in the French-speaking region of the country, completed a paper-and-pencil questionnaire assessing their participation in land-based and online gambling, as well as problem gambling. Overall, 70.6% reported having gambled at least once in their lifetime, and 49.8% had gambled in the past 12 months. Among past-year gamblers, 58.3% engaged exclusively in land-based gambling, 34.4% were mixed (land-based and online) gamblers, and 7.3% gambled exclusively online. The majority (74.7%) accessed online gambling via smartphone or tablet. Among past-year gamblers, 4.4% met the criteria for problem gambling, representing 2.1% of the total sample. Problem gambling was associated with more frequent gambling, engagement across both online and land-based platforms, participation in a greater variety of games, and involvement in online casino gambling. In conclusion, four years post-legalization, we observe increased gambling participation, a shift from land-based to online gambling, and a slight, non-significant increase in problem gambling. Continued monitoring of gambling behaviors in this population is essential to detect and respond promptly to potential increases in problem gambling.